Every October, the industrial sector comes together in support of Manufacturing Month. This time of year is filled with open houses and informational sessions to get people interested and excited about the role of manufacturing in the United States. On October 6th, we celebrated National Manufacturing Day by inviting local middle and high school students to PFERD’s manufacturing facility.

Students Take Part in MFG Day

This Manufacturing Day, we had about 120 students take part in our open house and career fair. All of the students involved are already enrolled in STEM PLTW (Project Lead the Way) coursework, so this gave them a further look at real-life applications for the concepts they’re learning about in school.

During our Manufacturing Day event, students were able to talk to representatives from different departments at PFERD to learn about what they do each day. They were taught about our business as a whole, the educational backgrounds of some of our workers, and the many opportunities that are available to people within the industrial sector. Getting to meet with actual employees and ask questions about their work allows young people to get a more comprehensive look at the different roles within a company.

The students also got to participate in hands-on sessions using some of our tools, including files, wire brushes, and non-woven finishing products. They even got to use some power tools – but no sparks! Safety always comes first, and we made sure to get that point across, too by handing out safety glasses and demonstrating the proper way to put in ear plugs.

We gave our visitors a plant tour and showed them how our wire brushes are manufactured using automation and other new technologies. From processing and finishing, through logistics and warehousing, we provided a well-rounded experience.

As a North American manufacturer and supplier of premium finishing tools and abrasives, PFERD is always looking for fresh talent to move our company forward. Building off a 200-year history, we understand the importance of keeping up with the times through new technology and ideas. For this reason, it’s vital to continue the tradition of attracting young people to this field. By hosting annual Manufacturing Day events, we expose the next generation to the diverse career options available to them.